Zainal.com

Well, not quite... but the decision by veteran Malaysian entertainer Zainal Abidin to launch a web-only album has yielded a lot a naysayers in the recording industry. Perturbed, suprised, bewilded are among the expressions used by senior executives, yet truth be told, each one chose to ignore the not so subtle message - the curtailment of power of the Music labels. True, the broadband penetration may be low - but interpreted differently one would say that the potential for growth would be excellent! How will younger fans pay for online content? The same way they stock up on the latest kids' fads - via the generous coffers of their loving parents, of course.

It would take a great optimist to imagine that ZA will make a windfall from this at this point of time, however, it is free publicity and a cheap way to test a more discerning market - and of course, to drive home a point to the senior music execs.